After having a disastrous day out against Allstars, and with 5 teams looking to lock up a finals appearance and another 3 looking to force their way into finals, Quake players stood up this past Saturday against the visiting Taipans and delivered the goods.

Here's a quick summary of the day:

 

 

12 Boys – Quake 1 def by Taipans 2

Haven’t these boys come a long way this year? Playing a team desperate to stay in the finals hunt the boys were 0-2 down at half time and almost snatched a most deserving draw. They totally dominated their more fancied opponents in the 2^nd half and only a courageous triple save with 30 seconds to go denied them a well-earned point. Special mention to Guy Lee who stepped up from the Academy to play so well in goals. Let’s finish with a win next week boys.

12 Girls – Quake 4 def Taipans 2

Another team that has come on leaps and bounds. The experience and confidence gained by 5 of these girls playing in the Girls Nationals finals shone through today. This win cemented their spot in 4^th place and they will now play in the finals. Next week will give them another opportunity to work on their game prior to finals starting the week after. Not bad for a team that has little futsal experience.

14 Boys – Quake 4 def Taipans 2

A workmanlike performance from these boys. Taipans got out to an early 0-1 lead but the lads didn’t panic and eventually took control of the contest. This win locked up 2^nd place on the ladder and sets them up for a Major Semi showdown with Allstars. But before that they get the chance to avenge their 1^st round shock loss to Boomerangs.

14 Girls – Quake 6 def Taipans 2

The girls suffered a surprise loss to the Taipans in the 1^st round and at half time it looked like another upset was in the making. But the girls roared back from being 1-2 down shortly after the break to score 5 unanswered goals to run away with the contest. Some of the goals were truly exceptional futsal team goals and it looks like this team will finally play to their potential. They’ve wrapped up 2^nd place now and have a tough contest against 3^rd placed Boomerangs next week to prepare for their Major Semi against Allstars.

16 Boys – Quake 7 def Taipans 0

A 7-0 score line looks impressive but the boys were not at their best against the last placed Taipans and did enough to win the game. Apart from the win the only other positives were another clean sheet and yet another Bruno Antelmi hat-trick. A win next week locks up the Premiership for the boys and will set them up nicely for the Major Semi.

16 Girls – Quake 3 def Taipans 1

Another good effort by these girls. After being down 0-1 at half-time the girls pressed the Taipans who proceeded to turn the ball over time and time again giving our girls chances which they took. They now sit 3 points out of the 4 and need a big win against 3^rd placed Boomerangs and for Allstars to fall apart next week. Who knows what will happen? But if anyone deserves some luck it’s these girls. Make sure you’re there to support them next week in the efforts to make the semis.

 Youth Men – Quake 4 def by Taipans 6

Scoring goals is not a problem for this team. But defending, especially against the fast break, is. This team is loaded with talent but is not getting the results they should. They sit in 3^rd place still and can’t miss the semis but need a big win over a desperate 4^th placed Boomerangs next week to regain confidence and perhaps nick 2^nd place from Allstars. We’re all looking forward to a performance worthy of Title favourites next week.

Women – Quake 8 def Taipans 1

Anything but a win would have knocked the Women out of the semis race and they responded to the pressure magnificently. Granted Taipans weren’t the toughest competition the girls had faced but they won and boosted their goal difference significantly. They now sit in 4^th place and have their destiny in their own hands. Win and they're in. A good fight back by the ladies.

Men – Quake 5 def Taipans 4

The men were in the same position as the Women – they couldn’t afford a loss. And after going 0-1 down they played terrific futsal to take a 4-1 lead into half-time. They were able to survive some tense moments in the 2^nd half to take the win and set up a cracker with 4^th placed Boomerangs. And just like the Women the equation is simple. WIN AND YOU'RE IN. And as we said before Christmas, you wouldn’t want to play this team of youth mixed with experience in the semis. Everybody should stay to support the men in this game.

 

So, it’s all set up for next week. 5 teams already in the semis and 3 teams who must win to make it. Can’t wait. GO QUAKE!